Eliquis, a leading blood thinner, is touted as a simpler and more effective way to manage blood clots and prevent stroke. Eliquis blocks a chemical called Factor Xa, which stops the formation of a life-threatening clotting protein known as thrombin.
Also known as apixaban, Eliquis is manufactured by Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Eliquis after a controversial clinical trial, known as the ARISTOTLE study, was meant to measure the safety and effectiveness of Eliquis in comparison to other existing blood thinners. The clinical trial took place in more than 40 different countries and did not conform to standard scientific protocols.
After a peer review, scientists found errors with trial conduct that led them to question the accuracy of the study’s results.
Doubts about the overall safety of the drug have been exacerbated by reports of serious bleeding side effects. Adverse reactions linked to Eliquis include, but are not limited to:
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Hemorrhagic stroke, also known as bleeding in the brain
- Intracranial hemorrhage, also known as bleeding in the skull
- Stroke
- Blood clots
- Death
Awareness of the extreme bleeding risk linked to Eliquis is crucial. Drug manufacturers and prescribing physicians have the responsibility to inform patients about Eliquis’ adverse reactions, but oftentimes failed to uphold it.
If bleeding develops, it can’t be controlled. Transparency and clear recognition of risk factors can prevent internal issues, hemorrhaging, and stroke.
Because the drug manufacturers currently offer no reversal agent, any individual using Eliquis is at risk of bleeding to death.